Meet Tara Gonzalez: Hair Stylist & Owner of TGHairLove

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tara Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tara, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think of risks as motivation to live a very blessed and fulfilling life. If you don’t take the risks then you stay in the same spot your whole life and never grow to your potential. The world has so much to offer and taking that next step to your dream is all worth it! If I never left my job at a credit union to pursue my passion for hair I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my career today. If I never left my corporate salon job then I wouldn’t be the business owner I am today. Everything falls into place when you follow your dreams and take that risk. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I get so excited when it comes time to work because it gives me so much satisfaction changing someone’s hair and uplifting them while I’m working and talking with them. Everyday I go to work I do think about the challenges I faced along the years. There were times I felt like giving up on my dream but I never let myself stay in that emotion. I feel it and figure out a way to move past it. I always try to give myself grace during the lows and always stay humble during the highs. Some lessons I’ve learned throughout my career is always trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right don’t do it! It’s not worth the tears and the stress when a simple no would have been suffice. I want the world to know that my brand and myself is a safe space to all. I want my clients to feel heard and welcomed and to always Be your own kind of Beautiful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First place I would take them is the Anaheim Packing House! They have a wide variety of foods and drinks, a place to sit inside or outside and just catch up with each other. My favorite spot to get a drink at The Anaheim Packing house is The Blind Rabbit. Reservations are a must but it’s so worth it. If you love speakeasies, good drinks and calming ambiance then that is the place to go. Next I would definitely take them to Disneyland. I’m a huge disney fan and can show them the ins and outs of the parks, eat all the yummy Disney treats and soak in the Disney magic!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First I would shout out my two dearest friends that I met in cosmetology school. Liz Paniagua and Angelica Cervantes. Liz helped me secure my first salon job and mentored me as I got adjusted to the salon life. Angelica has been the best supporter and has helped me through some rough times behind the chair. I also have to shoutout my boss/mentor Lauren Atuatasi. She broke me out of my shell and guided me to becoming an amazing stylist.

Website: www.TGHairLove.com
Instagram: TGHairLove
Twitter: TGHairLove
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/beautybytara
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/velascofilms
Other: TikTok @TGHairLove

Image Credits
Breanna Policar